They are all very, very similar with minor stylistic differences (hide, lining, depth of collar, pocket shape/placement, etc.).
If you go back far enough, you’ll probably find that Monarch made an early one (I’m sure that Dave Sheeley would know).
I have no issues with BK quality (I owned one...
The Heron (Himel Bros.) was the first to reinvigorate the interest in this simple design from the ‘20s, but go a little further back and you’ll find plenty of others (e.g. RL, LVC, etc.).
The Heron stimulated a slew of other versions (BK, Aero, GW to name but three).
I owned an Auburn Dust Bowl, but had to sell it on as it was a size too small.
I really liked the Shinki, which was a more satin finish rather than glossy.
I have two Freewheelers now: a Journeyman in Tatanka Brown Shinki and a Brakeman in a more chestnut brown (I’m not sure of the shade as...
I’ve handled both, and owned many (probably too many) A-1s from high end makers. So I’d still say yes, as the stitchwork in terms of stitchcount and fine seams (which is generally near faultless with Japanese manufacturers), and pattern matter to me. But, as you say, to each their own (YMMV).
It depends what you’re looking for really. Given the choice between those two A-1 jackets, for accuracy to original design, I’d take the RMc over the Aero 10/10 of the time.
I sold an LVC Menlo Cossack (identical in cut, but with patch pockets) in washed goat.
FWIW, I prefer the washed goat - this version looks a bit bland in comparison.
Certainly true of my Freewheelers coats. My 42 Journeyman fits pretty well (but with little room for layering) with sleeves that are OK now they have creased; my 44 Journeyman is a much better fit about torso - shoulders marginally wide - but sleeves need to have around 3/4” removed before winter.
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